Verizon Backs Off, Will Allow Naral Texts

Verizon has reversed its refusal to let Naral send text messages over its system, after previously banning the abortion rights group’s content as “controversial or unsavory.” The wireless service provider was apologetic about last week’s decision, saying it had misinterpreted “a dusty internal policy,” the Times reports. It insisted it has “great respect for this free flow of ideas.”

Verizon also claimed it was not Naral’s viewpoint, but the abortion topic itself, which their outdated policy had vetoed. In this latest skirmish over net neutrality—whether carriers can decide which content they will transport—Naral argued no one should have the right to censor them, as is true with voice calls. But experts say current laws may allow companies to decide which messages to carry. (More Verizon stories.)